South Texas cotton and grain farmer Bobby Nedbalek stands in front of his 1960s-era John Deere 4020 tractor on March 5, 2022 in Sinton. This was the first tractor Nedbalek ever purchased. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek walks in his field on March 5, 2022 in Sinton. Nedbalek said he hasn’t been able to plant his crops during the normal timeframe due to current weather conditions. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek shows some of the technology on a newer John Deere tractor on March 5, 2022 in Sinton. High-tech tractors like this one, while more productive, are costly and time-consuming to repair because farmers are forced by major manufacturing companies to rely on company-authorized mechanics. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek wears his Shoppa’s hat on March 5, 2022 in Sinton. Nedbalek used to work for John Deere. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek in the driver's seat of a newer John Deere tractor on March 5, 2022 in Sinton. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek shows some of his cotton on March 5, 2022 in Sinton. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek opens up his 1960s-era John Deere 4020 tractor on March 5, 2022 in Sinton. Older tractors such as this one can be easier and cheaper to repair than the modern, high-tech ones the John Deere produces now. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas